Examining the Cricket World — With Adequate Protection, Of Course

Ashes Predictions

I know I’m late — so, sort of cheating — but I wanted to join Q, Krish, the Commentary Position, JRod and others in their Ashes Predictions Competition. One of the entries — how many Tests will Flintoff play? — has already been decided, alas. A grand total of one, it seems. To the rest:

Most Runs Overall: Simon Katich, because he needs to avenge that horrendous leave in 2005 and because he walks half-a-mile across his stumps before a ball is bowled.

Most Runs England: Kevin Pietersen — Not unless he continues with his daft shots, but I doubt anyone else, bar Ravi Bopara, can be as consistent as Pietersen is.

Most Runs Australia: Simon Katich

Most Wickets Overall: Jimmy Anderson – The swing works the oracle again! Now that Harmsion’s back in to the mix of things, it’s possible the Durham bowler may do something worth noting, but it’s historically unlikely. The man loves his county cricket, but only serves hot and sour on the international stage. Jimmy Anderson, by default.

Most Wickets England: Jimmy Anderson

Most Wickets Australia: Mitchell Johnson – Off to a wayward start in the first Test, even though Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz overshadowed him. But after that South Africa-Australia series, can’t bet against him.

Best Tosser (captain who wins the most tosses): Ricky Ponting – 50/50.

Man of the Series: Ricky Ponting? Perish the thought!

1st Test Result: Um, a draw. No, an Australian victory!

2nd Test Result: Australia

3rd Test Result: England (Edgbaston, no?)

4th Test Result: Draw

5th Test Result: England (2-1, my friends, 2-1.)

Overall series result: 2-1

THE TRIVIALITIES

Number of Tests that lose overs to rain (note, not bad light): Five. Can’t trust English summers.

Number of Tests that Flintoff will be able to manage: One, as it turns out.

Number of Tests won by an innings: One. That English line-up scares me with their collapses.

Number of Tests played by McDonald: Don’t know, and don’t care. Who is this man? I’ll say two.

Number of Tests played by Lee: He was only dropped from the first Test because of any injury, yes? So, let’s give him three.